Dinauer.S.2461_11.06.2024_Index [00:00:00] # Post 9/11 Deployment Realization > In part two of his interview, Colonel Dinauer shifts to the realization of his deployment post-9/11, the low commitment of troops in Afghanistan, and the unexpected long-term involvement in Iraq. He was working at the Pentagon during this time and was selected for battalion command, which was a significant career milestone. [00:00:30] # Experience as a Battalion Commander > Dinauer discusses his experience as a battalion commander, starting from the events following 9/11, through the Afghanistan conflict, and leading up to the Iraq War. He details the process of taking command, the deployment cycle, and the challenges of managing troop rotations and training. He also touches on the personal desire to participate in the Iraq War and the eventual deployment to Iraq in 2004. [00:06:28] # Second Battle of Fallujah > Colonel Dinauer recounts his role and experiences during the Second Battle of Fallujah, describing it as high-intensity combat and urban military operations. He details the strategic objectives, including securing bridges and a hospital, and the challenges faced, such as indirect fire and supply line attacks. He also shares a personal story of a supply convoy attack that resulted in casualties and the destruction of enemy resources. [00:25:52] # Transition to Strategic Planning and Civil-Military Relations > Colonel Dinauer describes their transition to a strategic planner role in the office of the Secretary of Defense Policy and the state of civil-military relations during the tenure change from Donald Rumsfeld to Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense. He expresses a sense of relief within the Pentagon at Rumsfeld's departure and a positive outlook on Gates' leadership. The speaker also reflects on the quality of political appointees and their impact on the Department of Defense. [00:29:29] # Retirement and Leading ROTC at CU Boulder > Colonel Dinauer talks about retiring from military service in 2013 and transitioning to lead an ROTC program at the University of Colorado. He discusses the differences in the ROTC program from when they were a student, the challenges faced, and the changes implemented during his leadership. He also shares his perspective on the influence of enlisted commissioning programs within the ROTC unit. [00:41:15] # Personal Transition from Military to Civilian Life > Colonel Dinauer reflects on the personal aspects of transitioning from military to civilian life, emphasizing that the biggest change was not the transition itself but the decision to not pursue a traditional full-time job after leaving the university position. He discusses the process of redefining their identity and the expectations of others regarding their professional image. [00:44:15] # Current Involvement in Ukraine > Colonel Dinauer explains his current involvement in training Ukrainian military forces through a nonprofit organization. He describes the process of joining the initiative, the types of training provided, and the logistics of traveling to and within Ukraine. He also mentions the motivation behind the effort, which is to help Ukraine transition from a Soviet model of military operations to a Western or NATO style. [00:51:45] # Motivation for Military Involvement Post-Retirement > Colonel Dinauer shares his motivation for continuing to be involved in military training after retirement, citing the unique opportunity to make a difference in Ukraine's struggle against Russia. He expresses a belief in supporting Ukraine's Western orientation and the desire to help prevent Russia from achieving its goals. He also notes the personal interest in re-engaging with military tactics and training. [00:55:27] # Final Thoughts on Military Career > Colonel Dinauer provides final thoughts on his military career, stating that while not every day was great, he does not regret his service and would recommend government service to others. He clarifies that he does not solely identify as a veteran but as someone who was a professional soldier. He encourages young adults to consider military service and emphasizes the importance of reassessing after the initial commitment period.